Kukoyi Assumes Leadership of Lagos Free Trade Zone Customs
Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olufemi Kukoyi has taken over as the Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, following the retirement of Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar.
Kukoyi assumed office on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, and commended the outgoing Controller for establishing a strong foundation in revenue mobilisation, trade facilitation, enforcement and engagement with stakeholders.
He wished Abubakar a rewarding retirement, acknowledging her years of service and contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service.
The new Acting Area Controller said he would build on the achievements of the previous administration by promoting stronger collaboration, innovation and discipline across the Command.
Kukoyi thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, promising to approach the new responsibility with commitment and a strong sense of duty.
He identified key priorities of his administration to include maximising revenue collection, improving trade facilitation, strengthening border security through effective enforcement and maintaining high standards of discipline among personnel.
He also pledged to promote technology-driven, transparent and time-bound customs procedures, while supporting the implementation of the National Single Window and One-Stop Shop initiatives.
Kukoyi stressed that the Command would operate a zero-tolerance policy towards compromise and misconduct, with the objective of transforming the Lagos Free Trade Zone into a model for efficient customs administration.
The change in leadership comes as the Command records significant growth in revenue collection under Abubakar.
Between January and June 2026, the Command generated ₦408.8 billion, representing a 28.85 per cent increase from the ₦317.3 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.
Abubakar attributed the improved revenue performance to targeted measures aimed at enhancing compliance, increasing operational efficiency and strengthening engagement with stakeholders across the Free Trade Zones and Lekki Port.
She commended the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, dedication and commitment, saying their contributions were instrumental to the improved revenue figures and increased confidence among members of the business community.
The retired Controller also revealed that June 2026 produced the Command’s highest monthly revenue collection since its establishment, with ₦87.10 billion recorded.
As Kukoyi begins his tenure, stakeholders will expect the Command to sustain its revenue growth while deepening trade facilitation, strengthening enforcement, expanding technology adoption and maintaining productive relationships with the trading community.
